Page 92 - Tattnall County

orchard of some seventy or more different kinds of fruit trees that include nectarines, peaches, apples, blueberries, mulberries, persimmons, blackberries, raspberries, and plum trees. The branches of Red Earth Farm are both literal and fgurative: The ancient arms of an enormous crepe myrtle covered in Spanish moss, which some believe to be a “state champion,” continue to reach outward in the shadow of the old farmhouse, the tree forgetting it is too old to do so and determined to live and offer beauty in its shaded comfort. Interestingly enough, Janisse just published a book of poems this past year entitled A House of Branches .

“We aren’t here to use up Creation,” said Janisse. “We’re here to take care of it. That’s our job. We’re here on the planet to serve humanity and yeah – each other.” Some may say that Janisse, bestselling author, naturalist, environmental activist, winner of the 1996 Merriam Frontier Award, and countless other awards as well, and Raven, organic gardener, keeper of animals, cook, potter, and visual artist— are idealists. Others of us are learning to listen. Among the trees and the people, Red Earth Farm continues to speak.  TCM